The long tradition of the Mariposa Belle yacht races continued last weekend - with a new twist that could become a mainstay.
“This year, for the first time, we did a sail pass of the Commodore, OPP officers, and (Coun.) Tim Lauer and his wife at the boathouse that is on the Leacock property,” explained Robert Hawke, the Champlain Sailing Club's Commodore.
He said 17 boats participated in the Mariposa Belle race, and they sailed in between Strawberry Island and Chief Island.
“We had the historic re-enactors sailing an 1812 longboat,” Hawke explained.
“They started the race with their cannons and muskets, and then we had them at the sailing club to 'gun in' our new members, which helped us celebrate them joining the club.”
The Mariposa Belle race was the first social event hosted by the Champlain Sailing Club since before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To celebrate we had a barbecue and a potluck. It was a wonderful time,” Hawke said.
“It was so good to be together again as a group with limited COVID restrictions. It felt like the beginning of summer and the beginning of a new season.”
The Champlain Sailing Club has been going strong since the 1870s and is one of the oldest clubs in Orillia. The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the biggest challenges in the long history of the club.
“The COVID restrictions have made things difficult on us at the club for basically the last two seasons,” Hawke said.
“We are so happy to be able to welcome people back to the club now. Maintaining our boats and sailing has been a real blessing for us sailors through this pandemic. It’s given us something to do, provides fresh air, and a safe hobby that allows us to get out.”
The Champlain Sailing Club is the home of 50 to 60 local sailors, which is a number that continues to grow each summer.
“The club is becoming increasingly popular, people are discovering our club, and our membership is growing,” Hawke said.
To join the club or find more information, click here.
